Rawalpindi seeks names for flyovers and underpasses

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation has invited public objections and suggestions on proposed names for key flyovers and underpasses. Citizens have already begun submitting alternate proposals, including one to name Kutchery Chowk after Abdul Qadeer Khan.

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation has asked residents to submit objections and suggestions on proposed names for the District Courts Chowk flyover and underpass near Jinnah Park, as members of the public have already started offering alternative proposals.

The municipal corporation’s chief officer proposed that the Kutchery Chowk underpass and flyover be named Marka-e-Haq Flyover and Underpass.

One citizen, Raja Najeeb, objected to that proposal and suggested that the structure instead be named after national hero and nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. He proposed the title Mohsin-e-Pakistan Flyover and Underpass.

The naming process has prompted public participation, with citizens sending in their views on what the key road infrastructure should be called.

Proposals under consideration

The District Courts Chowk and the adjoining Jinnah Park flyover and underpass are among the sites for which names have been proposed and opened to public feedback.

In addition to the proposal for Kutchery Chowk, the Ammar Chowk underpass has also been suggested for a new name. The proposed title for that site is Fazaia Flyover Underpass.

Public response begins

The development indicates that the civic body is moving ahead with a formal naming exercise for major traffic structures in the city while allowing residents to register support, objections or alternate recommendations.

Among the responses highlighted in the report, Raja Najeeb’s objection stood out because it directly challenged the chief officer’s proposal for Kutchery Chowk and put forward the name of Abdul Qadeer Khan instead.

The report identified Abdul Qadeer Khan as a national hero and nuclear scientist, and said the suggested title linked to his name was Mohsin-e-Pakistan Flyover and Underpass.

With multiple names now in discussion, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation is seeking to gather public opinion before finalising names for the flyovers and underpasses mentioned in the proposal.